Testing Strategies
You receive your exam. What's the first thing you should do before answering questions?
Preview/scan the entire exam first.
Name one symptom of test anxiety.
Sweating, shaking, nausea, blank mind, nervousness, muscle tension, etc
Which statement is an example of positive self-talk? A. "I'm going to fail." B. "I can get through this."
B - "I can get through this."
What breathing technique can help calm anxiety during a test?
Deep breathing.
What is one thing every student should do the night before an exam?
Get enough sleep.
You have 60 minutes and one section is worth twice as many points as the others. What should guide how much time you spend on each section?
The section's point value or weight.
Academic anxiety often interferes with what mental skill students need during exams?
Concentration/focus
Which type of self-talk usually increases anxiety?
Negative self-talk.
Why does deep breathing help?
It slows the body's stress response and helps relaxation.
What should students avoid overdoing before a test because it can worsen anxiety?
Caffeine, Cramming, Not Sleeping
You get stuck on Question #3 for several minutes. What is the best strategy?
Mark it, move on, and return later.
When anxiety spikes during a test, should you regulate your body first or try harder to think?
Regulate first
Replace this thought: "I'm terrible at tests."
example: "I'm prepared and will do my best." (Similar answers win)
A student says, "My mind went blank during the exam." Should they leave the question blank?
No, make an educated guess or write what they know.
Finish the statement: "The test is a threat, but _______ is a healthy defense."
Preparation
Why should you start with questions you know?
It builds confidence and helps activate retrieval.
True or False: Academic anxiety is a sign that you're weak or incapable.
Anxiety is a normal response to a perceived threat.
Complete the coping statement: "Even though I'm anxious, I can still _____."
Do well/succeed/take the test.
Someone finishes the test before you. What should you do?
Stay focused on your own test and pace.
A student spends 40 minutes on the first section of a 60-minute test and still has half the exam left. Which exam-day strategy did they fail to use?
Time allocation/time management.
Even if you don't know the complete answer, what can you do to earn possible points?
Show your work and write what you do know.
The goal is not zero anxiety, the goal is __________ anxiety.
Manageable anxiety.
Which belief is more helpful? A. "I have no control." B. "I can control my preparation and effort."
B. "I can control my preparation and effort."
What is a "memory dump"?
Writing important formulas, facts, or concepts down as soon as the test begins.
If anxiety spikes halfway through an exam, what is one coping statement you can tell yourself?
Examples: